摘要：The objective of this study was to analyze the importance of the handmade dairy agroindustry as a strategy for economic reproduction and emancipation for women farming in the municipality of Linhares, north of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The qualitative research was carried out between February and May of 2016, in the municipality of Linhares, involving ten families participating in projects of the official Rural Extension. Semi-structured interviews were applied with the ten female cheese producers from the families that composed the analysis units. The results were transcribed, systematized and submitted to content analysis. The agricultural para-agricultural pluriactivity through the handmade dairy products was shown as a strategy for economic reproduction of families in the face of financial crises and contributed to increase the autonomy and self-esteem of the women interviewed. However, female financial and decision-making autonomy was limited by male domination in rural areas.
